Did you know that one of B.B. King‘s earliest recordings was with the Kings Men?
Absolutely true. In 1954, RPM Records released a recording by B.B. “Blues Boy” King* And The Kings Men entitled “Sneakin’ Around,” with “Everyday I Have The Blues” by B.B. “Blues Boy” King* And His Orchestra on the flip side.
It definitely wasn’t the same Kingsmen from Portland, Oregon with the 1963 LOUIE LOUIE recording. That particular band hadn’t even been formed yet.
I’m guessing this may have been first and only time B.B. King recorded with a band known as “The Kings Men,” and I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the same “Kings Men” that also backed Big Crosby on a handful of different records.
Over the years, there were actually a few bands that called themselves “The Kingsmen / Kings Men,” including Elvis Presley‘s back up band, Maceo Parker‘s band, the Statler Brothers and even a San Francisco band in the early 1960s that would rename themselves the Flamin’ Groovies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGVC7XpcGuE
For MORE information on other bands known as “The Kingsmen / Kings Men,” click on the Kingsmen-OTHER category link!
Reference:
Discogs page on B.B. King Sneakin’ Around/ Everyday I Have The Blues single
https://www.discogs.com/BB-Blues-Boy-King-And-Kings-Men-Sneakin-Around-Everyday-I-Have-The-Blues/release/2782680